- Former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel and Governor Nelsy Cruz confirmed dead.
- The collapse happened during Rubby Pérez’s live concert in Santo Domingo.
- Over 400 rescue workers on-site; dozens feared still trapped.
- President Abinader mourns the tragedy, calling it a national heartbreak.
- Emotional footage shows chaos moments before the venue caved in.
A night meant for celebration at Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic turned into a nightmare after the building’s roof caved in during a live concert by merengue icon Rubby Pérez. The event, held in the early hours of Tuesday, attracted hundreds of guests—including high-profile individuals from sports, politics, and entertainment.
Lives Lost: Dotel, Cruz, Pérez Among Victims
Octavio Dotel, the 51-year-old former Major League Baseball pitcher, was among those pulled from the rubble but sadly died on his way to hospital. Nelsy Cruz, governor of Monte Cristi province and sister to retired baseball legend Nelson Cruz, also perished. Her death was confirmed by President Luis Abinader, who publicly expressed his sorrow.
The death of Rubby Pérez was also confirmed by his manager. Pérez was a beloved figure in the Dominican music scene and a staple of Jet Set’s Monday shows. His daughter later revealed he was trapped in the wreckage.
Desperate Search for Survivors
Rescue teams, numbering over 400 personnel, are working around the clock hoping to pull more survivors from the ruins. The Emergency Operations Centre head, Juan Manuel Méndez, told local reporters that there’s still hope some people may be found alive under the debris.
Panic Caught on Camera
A video captured by a reveller moments before the tragedy showed the crowd enjoying the performance. One man is heard pointing at the ceiling, saying “something fell,” followed by Rubby Pérez seemingly noticing the same. Just seconds later, the screen goes black as a loud crash fills the air—then a woman’s terrified voice: “Dad, what’s happened to you?”
A member of the late Pérez’s band described the moment as “feeling like an earthquake,” saying the venue was “completely packed” when disaster struck.
National Mourning
President Abinader issued a heartfelt message, saying the country was in mourning and the scale of the tragedy had left the nation in shock. “Our hearts go out to every family that lost a loved one,” he said.
As rescue operations continue, the Dominican Republic waits in grief and hope.
